Find out what should be on your agenda for Thursday at the NRA Convention

Indianapolis, Indiana -
Whether you want to call it a prequel or a soft opening, the 143 Annual Meetings & Exhibits of the National Rifle Association kicks off today at 2:00pm in the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis. WIth a guest list expect to land somewhere between the 70,000 and 80,000 range, you can't begin to image what's lined up for the bit long weekend. But for Thursday, however, there are four specific events to keep your eye on.

First is on-site registration.

If you want to go inside, if you want to see the Exhibit Hall, if you want to take part in the NRA Convention then you have to register first. Just make sure you have your ID along with an NRA membership number you will be all set for a long weekend of fun.

Registration, which starts at 2:00pm, is located outside rooms 108-109 and room 132 in the Convention Center.

Wall-to-wall NRA goodies, gadgets and gizmos stacked to the ceiling just waiting for a new home. A mug? A shirt? A hat, pen, thermos, jacket, gun case or blanket with the NRA 2014 Convention stamp on the side is there for the taking — all for a reasonable price of course.

Located in Exhibit Hall C, the NRA Store also opens at 2:00pm and closes with the Annual Meeting on Sunday.

An Outdoor Channel show hosted by Jim Supica and Philip Schreier of the NRA Museums, Gun Gurus will welcome a live studio audience to take part in an afternoon alongside of some of the country's finest firearm experts. Join in as they share the story behind their favorite guns as well as the tales behind the history, the men, and the manufacturing that went into creating these works of art.

Opening at 2:00pm (what is it with 2:00pm?) and closing at 6, Gun Gurus lays anchor in the lobby across from Hall D.

Kicking off at 5:00pm (yea, an event that doesn't start at 2!), the NRA Foundation Banquet (sponsored by Cabela's, Kimber & Universal Coin & Bullion) promises to be the biggest dining activity of it's kind. Where else are you going to run into a few thousand fellow Second Amendment supporters looking to spin a few wheels, devour a hearty meal, and celebrate the night away. There will be silent auctions, games, raffles and live auctions designed to raise funds and keep America's tradition of shooting sports alive.

Now this is a ticketed event so don't think you can just walk on over the Lucas Oil Stadium and start macing on the smorgasbord. And if you don't have a ticket already, I'm afraid you're out of luck.

So if you're looking for some pre-NRA Annual Meeting excitement on Thursday then that's it, that's the list.